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27/01/2010
PM Leaves NI Without Deal
Gordon Brown has left Hillsborough Castle after failing to secure a definite deal on the devolution of policing and justice powers to the local Assembly.
He chaired fresh negotiations aimed at saving Northern Ireland's power-sharing institutions before heading back to London this afternoon.
The Prime Minister (pictured) said there was "prospect of a reasonable agreement" within days.
Politicians will have 48-hours to decide on proposals formulated from the intensive talks, which involved both the British and Irish government.
It has been reported that leading figures will reconvene on Friday, with a pre-May date for devolution mooted.
Meanwhile, discussion will continue between Secretary of State Shaun Woodward, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin and all the Stormont parties.
Martin McGuinness expressed his disappointment that no agreement was reached today.
Mr Brown, and his Irish counterpart Brian Cowen, flew into the province on Monday after justice talks between Stormont's two largest parties broke down.
Sinn Fein and the DUP have so far failed to agree on when the powers should be devolved from Westminster to Belfast.
Republicans want the responsibilities in the hands of Ulster's politicians as soon as possible, while the DUP has insisted unionist "community confidence" must first be established.
Last night's talks adjourned at 6am this morning. All parties were represented at the eventual roundtable discussions.
This morning, a spokesman for Mr Brown said "there is scope for agreement" after a potential resolution was reportedly circulated amongst the main players.
The Irish government insisted "some outstanding issues remain", hinting at the ongoing wrangling over parades issues.
The DUP has clearly stated it wants the Parades Commission, which adjudicates on Orange Order marches, to be dissolved. Sinn Fein supports its continued existence.
DUP Executive minister Edwin Poots had told this morning's BBC Nolan show he thought it was unlikely a deal would be done today.
Failure to agree a way forward could see Sinn Fein pull Martin McGuinness from the office of First and Deputy First Minister, forcing Peter Robinson's resignation.
If either party refused to renominate within seven days the local government would revert to direct rule from London, prompting an early Assembly election.
Mr Brown missed today's Prime Minister's Questions in Parliament, where Harriet Harman deputised.
(PR/GK)
He chaired fresh negotiations aimed at saving Northern Ireland's power-sharing institutions before heading back to London this afternoon.
The Prime Minister (pictured) said there was "prospect of a reasonable agreement" within days.
Politicians will have 48-hours to decide on proposals formulated from the intensive talks, which involved both the British and Irish government.
It has been reported that leading figures will reconvene on Friday, with a pre-May date for devolution mooted.
Meanwhile, discussion will continue between Secretary of State Shaun Woodward, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin and all the Stormont parties.
Martin McGuinness expressed his disappointment that no agreement was reached today.
Mr Brown, and his Irish counterpart Brian Cowen, flew into the province on Monday after justice talks between Stormont's two largest parties broke down.
Sinn Fein and the DUP have so far failed to agree on when the powers should be devolved from Westminster to Belfast.
Republicans want the responsibilities in the hands of Ulster's politicians as soon as possible, while the DUP has insisted unionist "community confidence" must first be established.
Last night's talks adjourned at 6am this morning. All parties were represented at the eventual roundtable discussions.
This morning, a spokesman for Mr Brown said "there is scope for agreement" after a potential resolution was reportedly circulated amongst the main players.
The Irish government insisted "some outstanding issues remain", hinting at the ongoing wrangling over parades issues.
The DUP has clearly stated it wants the Parades Commission, which adjudicates on Orange Order marches, to be dissolved. Sinn Fein supports its continued existence.
DUP Executive minister Edwin Poots had told this morning's BBC Nolan show he thought it was unlikely a deal would be done today.
Failure to agree a way forward could see Sinn Fein pull Martin McGuinness from the office of First and Deputy First Minister, forcing Peter Robinson's resignation.
If either party refused to renominate within seven days the local government would revert to direct rule from London, prompting an early Assembly election.
Mr Brown missed today's Prime Minister's Questions in Parliament, where Harriet Harman deputised.
(PR/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
